THE TOXIC AVENGER on Broadway soon?

[Freakyfreak]

Posted: 12/11/10 at 10:08am

According to David Bryan they are working on bringing The Toxic Avenger to Broadway.
You like the idea?

Updated On: 12/11/10 at 10:08 AM

[rmusic11322]

Posted: 12/11/10 at 10:12am

I liked the show when I saw it at New World Stages. It would need a pretty small theatre.

[musicalperson17]

Posted: 12/11/10 at 10:35am

i saw the toronto production and it was in a fairly large theatre. obviously wound't work in the huge ones but doesnt need a small theatre either

[TheatreDork3]

Posted: 12/11/10 at 10:36am

I loved the Toxic Avenger - it was quirky and campy and just a whole heck of a lot of fun. However, I don't think it's a Broadway show. I just don't think the show could function and have the same feel in a larger Broadway house. I would love to see it back Off-Broadway, but I think bringing to Broadway is a bad business decision.

TD

[julesboogie]

Posted: 12/11/10 at 10:44am

Agreed Theatre dork.

[adamgreer]

Posted: 12/11/10 at 10:49am

It wasn't even a huge hit off-Broadway.

[RippedMan]

Posted: 12/11/10 at 10:55am

It's not my money, or time, so I say why not?! I think it's one of the best scores of the past couple of years, and now with the success of Memphis, maybe his name will carry some weight. Put it in the Booth or Broadhurst and that will be fine. It's not that small of a show. Maybe add another two ensemble members.

[TonyVincent]

Posted: 12/11/10 at 10:56am

I don't see how this doesn't meet the same fate as Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson.

Give it another New World Stages run and I'd be happy (and backers would end up less unhappy).

[dramamama611]

Posted: 12/11/10 at 11:32am

I thought it was great fun -- but I can't see it having a successful run. I don't think I would go see it on B'way. To pay my 25 bucks at NWS is one thing....more than that on B'way...nope.

[singtopher]

Posted: 12/11/10 at 11:36am

I saw this show three times Off-Broadway. It wasn't always well written, but it was a load of fun. If you want to give it a new life, keep it Off-Broadway.

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 12/11/10 at 7:27pm

It would never make it. Didn't it close off Broadway due to dwindling sales. Also, the show tanked in Toronto in a larger venue, so I don't see there being a huge interest.

[TheatreFan4]

Posted: 12/11/10 at 7:44pm

Is David Bryan retarded?

[emo_geek]

Posted: 12/11/10 at 8:47pm

They should tour or bring it to LA. I had so much fun when I saw the show. I don't know if it would work on Broadway though. Maybe a very small theatre, but I say tour first.

[rmusic11322]

Posted: 12/11/10 at 9:26pm

There was an announcement for a national tour, but have heard nothing since then.

[RippedMan]

Posted: 12/11/10 at 9:55pm

I don't think ticket sales is a valid argument. Look at "In The Heights." With Broadway comes national exposure. TV show segments, etc.

[Freakyfreak]

Posted: 12/12/10 at 4:33am

Is David Bryan retarded?

Back in kindergarden again?
Actually he's a pretty smart guy.

[TheatreFan4]

Posted: 12/12/10 at 4:37am

Yeah, but this idea is retarded.

[Scarywarhol]

Posted: 12/12/10 at 4:41am

This is an astonishingly stupid idea.

[Freakyfreak]

Posted: 12/12/10 at 6:38am

Yeah, but this idea is retarded.

I don't think that it's actually his own idea. He just talked about this option recently.
I think The Toxic Avenger needs a small theatre, no matter if Broadway or Off Broadway. I liked it alot and would love to see it again..

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 12/12/10 at 12:25pm

How about reviving Lestat?

[frontrowcentre2]

Posted: 12/12/10 at 12:51pm

About 25 years ago there was talk of establishing a middle-Broadway level, smaller theatres (or moderately larger ones with some seating sections restricted) that received union concessions. They operated at higher pay-scales than off-Broadway but lower than full Broadway. I don't think any play (there were no musicals) that opened under this agreement succeeded but the idea seemed a good one and could benefit a medium-sized show like TOXIC.

Bottom line is ticket prices are out of line with the overall value of the show.

WICKED has a top of $131 for a big show with special effects, elaborate costumes and a large cast and orchestra.

Why should someone pay more ($135) for a MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET with a cast of 6, a small orchestra - 2 pieces, one set, and no special effects that runs with much lower break-even.

Ticket prices need to be scaled to the specific show/production not just what everyone else is charging.

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 12/12/10 at 12:56pm

Good luck getting union approval on it.The producers won't cooperate either. It is a nice thought however.

[frontrowcentre2]

Posted: 12/12/10 at 12:59pm

Yes, I know. They did manage to get some union concessions for it when this experiment was tried but the plays chosen were not great and the program was abandoned. I'll have to wait until I am back home and get into the Best Plays books to get the specifics.

[RippedMan]

Posted: 12/13/10 at 12:40am

That's a great idea, to tailor the price to the show, but that won't happen because if one person is willing to pay for it, then they'll keep it.

[AEA AGMA SM]

Posted: 12/13/10 at 10:16am

"Good luck getting union approval on it."

Equity has already fought, and won, for the tiered contracts for touring. I honestly don't think they would be where an idea gets blocked if somebody tried to do it for Broadway.